If your kitten has bowel problems, it may be the result of food sensitivities or GI foreign bodies. Fortunately, there are several treatments for these issues. These include: medications, food, and lifestyle changes. Inflammatory bowel disease is a syndrome caused by a chronic reaction to irritation. When your cat experiences this condition, the body responds by triggering a response known as inflammation. The result is a thickened lining of the gastrointestinal tract that makes it difficult for food to move through the system and absorb nutrients.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea in kittens is a common clinical problem, and it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition so that appropriate treatment can be provided. Diarrhea in kittens may be self-limiting or chronic, and may result from many different causes. However, diarrhea in kittens that is chronic or recurring requires a more specific diagnosis. Diarrhea in kittens can be caused by intestinal parasites, which can be confirmed by examining the feces.
Diarrhea in kittens with poor bowel function may be caused by an overfeeding problem or by a sudden change in diet. Typically, a sudden change in diet will cause diarrhoea for a short period of time and then subside as the intestine adapts to the new diet. Younger cats are more likely to suffer from diarrhoea due to inappropriate feeding practices and overfeeding. Older cats may also be susceptible to the problem of eating spoiled meat, which can lead to diarrhoea.
Diarrhea in kittens with diarrhea is often caused by a gastrointestinal parasite, such as hookworms. These parasites live in the small intestine and attach to the intestinal wall to feed. They are most commonly contracted in the mother’s milk. They can cause black and bloody diarrhea and may lead to anemia.
Food sensitivities
Many dietary staples can cause a cat’s bowel problems. During the screening process, veterinarians use an elimination diet to eliminate offending food items from the cat’s diet. If the signs recur on the second elimination diet, the cat is likely to have a food sensitivity. The offending food item or additive can then be identified using oral challenge tests.
A common culprit is lactose. Although lactose is the most common culprit, other additives, spices, and fish in canned cat food can also cause digestive problems in cats. Some food products may contain high levels of histamine, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Other causes of sensitive stomachs in cats include stress. Because cats are prey and predators, they are very sensitive to changes in their environment. This can lead to upset stomachs and inflammatory bowel disease. Vaccinations should be up to date to avoid these issues. If your cat has one of these digestive problems, your veterinarian may recommend a feeding trial of low-allergen cat food to determine if there’s a dietary problem.
As mentioned earlier, food allergies and food intolerances are different. While allergies involve the immune system, food intolerance is a reaction to an ingredient. This reaction is not always life-threatening, but it can be unpleasant for your cat. If your cat has a food allergy, it will require a change in diet and avoid eating the food in question.
GI foreign bodies
A cat with bowel problems may have a GI foreign body. If you notice a foreign body in your kitten’s feces, you should seek medical attention. Some cases are treatable with dietary management alone, but other cases require the addition of anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics. Sometimes, your vet may also recommend an anti-parasitic medication.
Foreign bodies are a common cause of bowel obstruction in both cats and dogs. These objects may be small or large and can irritate the lining of the intestine. Common types include plastic balls, squeaky toys, bones, corks, bottle caps, discarded corn cobs, and stones. Occasionally, a foreign object may have caused damage to the lining of the intestine and necessitate surgery.
When your kitten has a foreign body in the intestine, you can consider conservative management before undergoing surgery. If you’re confident that your kitten’s bowel is not blocked, conservative management may be the best option. Conservative treatment will involve monitoring your kitten for signs of obstruction and ensuring that food and water are available. In severe cases, your vet may place an enterostomy feeding tube during surgery.
If you suspect that your kitten has a GI foreign body, your veterinarian may recommend an X-ray. However, if the foreign body is too small or not hard enough to be seen on an X-ray, it might be difficult to find. Your veterinarian may recommend repeating X-rays in six to 12 hours. They may also administer a barium-based contrast agent. If the foreign body is too large, anesthesia may be necessary to remove it.
Medications
A veterinarian can offer a variety of medications to treat bowel problems in kittens. These include antibiotics, probiotics, and sulfonamide-sensitive bacterial medications. In some cases, adjunctive therapies may be necessary, such as in the case of chronic diarrhea. However, in many cases, conservative therapy is sufficient to relieve symptoms.
An ultrasound of the abdomen can also detect changes in the gastrointestinal tract and help diagnose conditions such as hepatitis and pancreatitis. The ultrasound can also detect thickening of the intestinal wall, a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoma. Occasionally, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Intestinal parasites can affect the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea. While diarrhea in kittens is usually an uncomfortable symptom, it may also be an indicator of a serious underlying health problem. If your kitten has diarrhea, you should visit a veterinarian immediately to ensure the condition is treatable.
Intestinal worms are another common cause of digestive problems in kittens. These worms can be transmitted to humans, so it is important to have your kitten tested by a veterinarian and follow the recommended deworming protocol if you suspect that your cat has intestinal worms. In addition, cats can have constipation due to pain, dehydration, or abnormal motility of the colon. Other symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders in cats include weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal swelling.
While some kitten bowel problems can be treated with simple dietary changes, veterinarians may prescribe prescription dry cat food that contains high-fiber ingredients. This type of food is rich in soluble fiber, which helps increase the amount of water in the stool. The diet should also be highly digestible, so your kitten will be able to adjust to it gradually.
X-rays
Cats may have bowel problems, and an abdominal x-ray can be used to determine the cause. This procedure can also be used to find tumors and other irregularities within the digestive tract. While it is not an immediate cure for a problem, it is a valuable diagnostic tool that can be used to rule out certain conditions.
Cats may experience frequent stools or diarrhea that are loose and liquid. This can be a symptom of an underlying condition or an allergic reaction to a new food. Though most cases of diarrhea are not serious, loose stools may be an indicator of a larger problem.
When cats are experiencing bowel problems, veterinarians often recommend X-rays or an ultrasound to diagnose the problem. While x-rays can help to diagnose an internal injury, ultrasound can show internal organ components with greater detail. This can help to determine the correct treatment plan.
Cats that are vomiting often have an abdominal problem. A vet may recommend x-rays to rule out any foreign objects that may be blocking the intestines. This procedure is usually not necessary unless a cat is vomiting blood or is suffering from a life-threatening condition. In some cases, the vet may recommend an exploratory surgical procedure to clear the obstruction.
A stomach x-ray will reveal several organs and their surrounding tissues, including the intestines and colon. The pylorus also lies along the midline, and the contents of the stomach can be displaced into this sac. The x-rays are non-invasive and safe. It is important to note the width of the abdomen so that the x-ray beam is adjusted accordingly. A small amount of radiation is generated in the x-ray tube. Then, a button is pressed to take the “photograph.” The “photograph” is made up of two pictures taken from different angles.
Subcutaneous fluids
When a kitten is having bowel problems, a veterinarian will likely recommend subcutaneous fluids (subqs) to help relieve discomfort and restore fluid balance. These fluids are given through a needle inserted under the skin and do not require a vein. It is a relatively easy procedure and can be performed at home by a trained person.
The process is similar to that of administering fluids to a human. A vet will first shave the area around a vein on the kitten’s back to make it easier to place an IV drip. A hypodermic needle is then inserted through the skin and a venoset is connected to the needle. The fluid is then dripped through the venoset using gravity.
A veterinarian can administer fluids to a kitten using a skin button or an alternative technique called hypodermoclysis. For smaller amounts of fluid, the syringe method is easier. It is more precise and faster to administer. However, if your cat is fidgety, you may want to use a second person to administer the fluids. You can use a syringe with a large capacity to help ease the discomfort. The needle should be stored in the freezer before use to reduce the discomfort associated with needle usage.
A veterinarian will give you instructions on the procedure of giving your kitten supplemental fluids at home. Fluids can help treat many different medical conditions in cats. The most common conditions treated with supplemental fluids are chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Regardless of the condition, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe the right dosage and recommend the best way to administer the fluids for your pet.
